Wadsworth Library

1500 Wadsworth Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19150-1699
Wadsworth & Michener Aves.
Closed Today
Sunday Closed
Monday 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday Closed

Upcoming Closures

  • Mon., Sep. 1 : Closed Labor Day
  • Mon., Oct. 13 : Closed Indigenous Peoples' Day
  • Tue., Nov. 11 : Closed Veterans Day
  • Thu., Nov. 27 : Closed Thanksgiving Day
View all holiday closings

Facilities

  • Bicycle rack
  • Book drop box
  • Computers for public use
  • Electrical outlets available
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Meeting space (reservation required)
  • Parking lot
  • Photocopier (black/white)
  • Printing (black/white)
  • Public restrooms
  • Street parking (free)
  • Water fountain
  • Wireless internet access (wi/fi)

Upcoming Events

Art Exploration

Mon, August 11, 2025 4:00 P.M.

Join Mr. Nate for a planned art activity. In each session we will learn and practice a new painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, or photography style or technique. We will look at examples and reflect on how different styles and techniques make us think and feel. This week's theme will…

Toddler Storytime

Tue, August 12, 2025 11:30 A.M.

Join Mr. Nate for stories, movement and songs! This program is intended for children ages 1 - 5, along with an adult caregiver. For large groups or classes, please call to schedule a separate storytime visit.  

Social Services at the Library with a Social Worker

Thu, August 14, 2025 10:00 A.M.

Stop by for Open Office Hours with a Social Worker where you can receive help finding, navigating, and connecting to relevant community and government agencies.  This service will be available today from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. If you have questions, you can email…

Lego and Building Club

Thu, August 14, 2025 3:00 P.M.

Join us for a Lego and Building Club! Build something for the week's theme or from your own imagination. We will have Lego and other building materials available, including Duplo for younger builders. This activity is intended for children ages 2 - 12 years old. Parents and caregivers are…

About

Located in the Wadsworth Avenue shopping district, this branch serves the Wadsworth, Cedarbrook, Ivy Hill, and East Mt. Airy communities. A free parking lot on Michener Street serves many of the stores in the area.
 

History

The Wadsworth area became part of the city of Philadelphia in 1854. Prior to a housing boom that began in the 1940's, the area was open woodlands and farms. Therefore, there are only two buildings in the community built before the 1940's. Wadsworth Avenue and Michener Street were named after two of the old family farms.

Before there was a branch library, the neighborhood made heavy use of the Free Library's bookmobile. Wadsworth Avenue Library, a modern building with a glass "storefront," opened on July 30, 1959. In 1992, the building reopened after being closed several years for asbestos removal and building renovations, including the addition of a meeting room. Colorful ribbons enlivened the glass façade and neon lights brightened the interior.

The library was further renovated in 1999 as part of the "Changing Lives" campaign, which refurbished branches and brought Internet service.